In Pain? Don’t Do This…
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 6, 2018
Let’s be honest — from time to time, we still think we’re young and do things we shouldn’t.
I threw a baseball last weekend (which I haven’t done in years) and hurt my shoulder.
The next morning, I woke up sore.
If you are like many people, when this happens, you reach for aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve.
These drugs, called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), are not a good idea if you want to heal your injuries.
In fact, they could be slowly WRECKING your health.
Let me show you.
Many people (and doctors) consider NSAIDs to be the medication of choice for managing musculoskeletal pain and injury.
You can buy these drugs anywhere, so why not use them every day? Right?
Well, there are many reasons NSAIDs are not a good choice: they account for over 36,000 deaths every year (mostly from stomach bleeds and kidney damage).
And they harm your liver.
But a new study gives us yet another reason to avoid these common drugs.
A new study published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine shows that NSAIDs interfere with the healing process of bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries.
That means the shoulder I hurt is going to take even longer to get better if I take NSAIDs.
And people who use them for chronic back pain or arthritis are doing their bodies more harm than good.
From my perspective, if you want to use NSAIDS for a day or two to help with pain, go ahead. But then stop as quickly as you can.
For longer-term pain relief, try the following.
Dr. Scott’s Pain and Inflammation Protocol:
-
Curcumin: This is the active ingredient in turmeric, responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. If you like turmeric, get as much as you can. If not, take a curcumin supplement.
- Fish oil: This is great at reducing inflammation throughout the body. Studies have shown its ability to lower the risk for pain, heart disease, dementia, and many other conditions.
- CBD oil: Cannabidiol (or CBD oil) comes from the common cannabis (marijuana) plant, but it doesn’t get you high. When CBD hits the brain, it helps to release a flood of good-feeling molecules, including serotonin (the feel-good, sleep-well brain hormone) and reduces pain. CBD is being used by many people to treat other health problems like anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
- Exercise: It helps to strengthen joints and muscles, so you can avoid injury. There are a million ways to exercise, so find something you love and do it often.
- Avoid vegetable oils: These oils increase inflammation throughout the body. Keeping these oils out of your diet means avoiding processed foods as much as possible.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...